A former Commissioner in Enugu State, Hon Barrister Chinedu Onu has stated that Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is implementing the leadership model of Michael I. Okpara.

Dr Onu stated this on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the two-day capacity building training workshop for staff of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.  

Speaking on the topic “Strategic Repositioning of M.I Okpara’s Leadership and Governance as a Competency-based Institutional Framework for Sustainable 21st Century Impacts” the former Commissioner for Environment noted that Governor Mbah’s transformative leadership in Enugu State has the imprint of M .I Okpara’s leadership ideology.

“Michael Okpara, late former Premier of Eastern Region, championed the cause for a new South-East region. His leadership ideology and governance signposted the region to the nation and laid emphasis on competence and good governance. 

“There is no doubt that Governor Peter Mbah is implementing M.I. Okpara’s leadership philosophy in Enugu State. He is championing a new Enugu State through his pragmatic, future-thinking leadership. During Michael Okpara administration, South-East education enrolment tripled. We are witnessing same under Peter Mbah with his Smart School initiative which has tripled the number of children enrolled into school. His type took the educational policy to a greater height with experiential learning. Equipping the children with hands-on, practical-based pedagogy.

“He is transforming the infrastructure in the state, reviving moribund productive sectors such as the Gas Plant, Almanco Company, Hotel Presidential, International Conference Centre and others which are redefining the state’s economy, culture, investments, learning and agriculture” he said.

Dr Onu emphasised that Dr M.I. Okpara’s leadership model provides a competency-based framework for vision, ethics, innovation, and adaptability aligning with modern leadership theories.

“We must reposition his legacy from historical admiration to strategic application in order to achieve institutional transformation in ESUT and our dear state”

Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara was the Premier of Eastern Nigeria in the first Republic from 1959-1966. His leadership blueprint ensured – agricultural revolution, ethical, transparent and visionary governance, championed education for self-reliance, and cooperative development.

“His leadership ideology offers a home-grown African blueprint for sustainable leadership, bridges tradition and technology, values and vision, competency and character can co-exist in governance. They form the foundation of trustworthy governance, institutional excellence, and moral authority.

“Repositioning Okpara’s leadership means reclaiming Africa’s capacity to lead itself with dignity and purpose” he stated.

The 2025 ESUT staff training workshop was held on Wednesday, 8 and Thursday, 9^th October at the International Conference centre, Enugu.

Michael Okpara’s Legacy

Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara was a political leader, doctor and the premier of Eastern Nigeria from 1959 to 1966. He was, at the age of 39, the nation’s youngest premier

A strong advocate of what he termed “pragmatic socialism”, he believed that Nigeria’s salvation depended on a revolution in agriculture. To this end, he acquired and managed a large farm in his hometown, called Umuegwu Okpuala Mixed Farms, which inspired many Eastern Nigerian leaders to follow suit. He also championed the educational and infrastructural development of Eastern Nigeria.

He never owned a house of his own while he was in government. When the Nigerian Civil War ended in 1979, he went into exile in Ireland. Before his return from exile in 1979, his close associates and beneficiaries took up a collection to build him a house in his village, Umuegwu. Okpara died on 17 December 1984.

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A two-day capacity building training Workshop for staff of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) will commence today at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

The Workshop, coming less than a month after the university organised similar training for administrators in the senior cadre, will start on Wednesday, October 8 through Friday, the 9th. Registration on the first day will start from 8:30am

Anchored on the theme: “Workshop on Soft Skills: Leadership, Work Ethics Value Reorientation and Application of Experiential Learning”, the Governor’s Keynote Address is expected to x-ray the imperative of experiential learning in governance and leadership building.

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah will deliver the Keynote Address

According to the Co-Facilitator of the Workshop, Professor Chike Anibeze, the training is geared towards enhancing leadership capacity and strengthening the competencies required for effective work productivity

“It is important to inform the university community that in its resolve to ensure leadership capacity and enhance productivity, the Vice-Chancellor has approved the mounting of a focused two-day Workshop on Soft Skills, Leadership, Work Ethics Value Reorientation and Application of Experiential Learning.

“This is geared towards enhancing leadership capacity and strengthening the competencies required for effective work productivity. Designed for both academic and administrative leaders, the programme integrates experiential learning methodologies to foster collaboration, stimulate innovation, and enable institutions to adapt proactively to emerging educational and societal challenges,” Prof Anibeze said.

Prof Anibeze who is also the Director, Academic Planning of the University, provided explanations on those expected to participate in the workshop.

 “Those expected to attend the training are – Deans and Directors of Faculties/Directorates, Heads of Academic Departments/Programme heads, Senior Non-Teaching Staff (Heads of Units, Deputy Registrars/Bursars/Librarians, and PAR/Chief Accountants)”.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie will present the Lead Paper while Hon. Chinedu Onu and Hon. Nnaemeka Ani, SSA to Governor on ICT, are the resources persons.

Chairmen/Rapporteurs of the Technical Sessions include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chike Nwoha; the Registrar, Mr Ambrose Ugwu; the Provost, ESUT College of Medicine, Prof Uchenna Ekwochi; the Director of ESUT Consult and Council member, , Prof Okey Oji; University Bursar, Dr Austine Ojeh and the University Librarian, Dr Uzoamaka Ogwo.

It could be recalled that the management of the university last year held a similar workshop on capacity building for frontline staff of the institution anchored by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG) Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

Held on September 19th and 20th 2024 at Esther Hall, Admiral Resort Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu, the two-day training aimed at equipping the frontline management staff with necessary knowledge to enhance productivity, work ethics and relationship among staff

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In a move to ensure efficient and effective medical education and healthcare delivery in Enugu State, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has appointed Professor Ikemefuna Ignatius Ozor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) as the Pioneer Provost of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno.

Prof. Ozor, a highly respected figure in the Nigerian medical community, served as Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the ESUT College of Medicine (ESUCOM) Governor Mbah, described the appointment as a strategic choice to ensure the new institution starts on a foundation of academic excellence and administrative competence. The Governor expressed confidence that Prof. Ozor’s vast experience, proven leadership, and sterling reputation will be instrumental in positioning SUMAS as a world-class center for training medical and applied health professionals.

Professor Ikemefuna Ozor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this pivotal role. He is a renowned Neurosurgeon and Consultant Neurophysician, with a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, academic research, and university administration. His work in the field of neurosurgery has earned him both national and international recognition.

Prior to his appointment as Provost, his leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at ESUCOM was widely praised for fostering academic rigor and innovation. Colleagues and students alike know him as a dedicated educator and a visionary leader committed to advancing medical science.

The news has been met with widespread acclaim from the academic and medical sectors. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State Branch, has congratulated Prof. Ozor, describing the appointment as “putting a round peg in a round hole.” They pledged their full support to the new Provost in his daunting but noble task.

Prof. Ozor, upon receiving the news, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him. He stated, “This is a call to service of the highest order. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to build an institution that will not only be a pride to Enugu State but a leading light in medical education in Africa. Our focus will be on excellence, innovation, and community service.”

The appointment is effective immediately, and Prof. Ozor is expected to commence the arduous task of building the new college from the ground up.

The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, is a newly established specialized university by the Enugu State Government. It is designed to be a dedicated institution for training professionals in core medical and applied health sciences, aiming to revolutionize healthcare education and research in Nigeria.

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Tragedy struck in Enugu on Saturday night as gunmen suspected to be assassins murdered the Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders’ Association (OMMATA), Mr Stephen Aniagu.

The incident occurred at Moses Ogbodo Junction near Topland Market in the Amechi suburb of Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State around 7 pm on Saturday.

According to eyewitnesses, Aniagu was likely heading home after the market closed when he was attacked. His body was riddled with bullets and his car was missing.

Sources said they heard gunshots and pandemonium erupted as everyone scampered for safety

The motive behind the killing is yet to be determined.

Enugu: Gov Mbah Gives Security Agencies 48Hrs to Produce OMMATA Chairman’s Killers

Meanwhile, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has given security agencies in the state 48 hours to fish out the killers of the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, OMMATA, Chief Stephen Aniagu, vowing that no one would commit such heinous crime in the state under his watch and go scot-free.

Mbah also commiserated with the deceased’s family and OMMATA.

Reacting to the development on Sunday, Mbah said, “My heart grieves over the brutal murder of the Chairman of OMMATA, the late Chief Stephen Aniagu. This is a sad loss, not only to OMATTA as a body, but also to the entire state.

“In the meantime, I have directed security agencies in the state to produce his killers within 48 hours. As we have always maintained, and every merchant of death or criminal in the state ought to know by now, that we have demonstrated the capacity to bring them to book. We have the will, technology, and resources to pursue, track down, overtake, and defeat such workers of wickedness.

“Therefore, those who committed this atrocity have bitten more than they can chew. They have murdered sleep, hence neither they nor the government and security agencies will sleep until all the perpetrators are captured and justice served in accordance with the law sooner than later.

“I urge Ndi Enugu to go about their lawful businesses, for the security of lives and property remains our priority as a government. Those who have decided to test our resolve will meet their waterloo like others before them,” Mbah stated.

Commiserating with Chief Aniagu’s family, community, and OMMATA, the governor noted that the late market leader served his community, the association, and Enugu State creditably.

“The Government and people of Enugu State grieve with them. But I urge them to find solace in the service he rendered to our dear state and the fact that his killers will never go scot-free. It is a promise,” he concluded.

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The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah will attend the burial of late Ezinne Lucy Onuzulike Okolie, mother of ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, today in Awgu Town, Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.

Also, Senators, Commissioners as well as Vice-Chancellors of some universities in Nigeria will also honour the burial of the octogenarian.

“Our VC is a popular person so we are expecting the big shots we have in our society. We are expecting the governor of Enugu State, we are expecting the Deputy governor, commissioners, senators and more people in Enugu state even those who have had interaction with the VC, his former student, colleagues at UNN and at Uniport would also be there,” Professor Chike Nwoha, Burial Committee Chairman, told our correspondent.

“Even at the meeting we had on Tuesday in Abuja, I saw so many of his friends (Vice-Chancellors) who were asking whether the burial would still hold on Thursday 16th. So it shows that many of them would be there and the expectation is high,” he concluded.

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The Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, has produced exceptional individuals to move Enugu State in particular and Nigeria at large, forward.

The Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Felix Nnamani stated this in an interview with ESUT Monitor in his office.

Hon. Nnamami who was formerly a lecturer in the Department of Political Science until his appointment in August last year as a commissioner under the administration of His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of the state, said the appointments of ESUT staff into various political positions is an indication that the university has come to stay and is producing manpower needed to make the achieve its potenials. 

“It means that ESUT has come to stay and will keep pushing for better recognition in the state. It means that ESUT has trained people and will continue to train people, and not only in the State, but globally,” Hon Nnamani said when asked about ESUT lecturers holding various political positions.

“Prof Sam Ugwu, the Commissioner for Environment, Myself in the Ministry of Water Resources, then you have Associate Professor Banko Okaibe, who is also a member in ENSUBEB (Enugu State Basic Education Board) and a host of others. Former Commissioner for Works in Enugu State, Engr. Greg Nnaji is also an alumnus, so ESUT has come to stay and I thank our fathers who dreamt of starting this University in favour of our people.

“I remember those dates even in the 90s, for you to get admission into UNN was very difficult. I thank His Excellency, Jim Nwobodo (former Anambra State Governor) who conceptualized the university.

“ESUT is everywhere, we have trained the manpower that is required to move our state, and the nation forward,” he concluded.  

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The Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah has identified the five key unprecedented developmental achievements in the Enugu State University of Science of Technology, ESUT in less than two years under the Vice Chancellorship of Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, ESUT Monitor Newspaper can report.

The Governor, who is the Visitor of the University, enumerated five key laudable achievements recorded by the Vice Chancellor describing them as “unprecedented bold investments in education”

“I am glad that the leadership and administration of ESUT is already moving in the right direction as evidenced by its achievements over the last year, especially the following: The successful re-accreditation of the college of medicine, the successful re-accreditation of the college of laboratory sciences, the recent digitalisation of the school’s students’ records, the continued installation of critical broadband infrastructure to ensure reliable internet and extensive upgrade of the school’s infrastructure including the refurbishment of 4 major faculty buildings.

“These current advancements, as well as those we plan to undertake soon, are unprecedented bold investments in education,” the Governor said during the 19^th Convocation ceremony of the institution

While congratulating the graduands for their academic triumph in ESUT, he however admonished them top know that their certificates are not the end product of their learning voyage

 “My sincere congratulations to all the 9,017 graduating students, your presence in this exclusive fold is evident that you have been deemed worthy in character and learning to receive the seal of approval of a reputable school like the Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Beyond being a testament to your intellectual acumen, your success in earning your respective degrees indicates your diligence and perseverance since a university degree course is more akin to a marathon than a 100m dash.

“However, it is also critical to point out to you that this is not the end but rather the beginning. Ahead of you still lies most of life’s winding road with its emotional “hills and valleys”. Yes, I must tell you that life will most likely still throw at you all many twists and challenges which you must surmount if you must reach those ambitious personal objectives you have, no doubt, set for yourselves.”

The governor noted that in realization of his set targets in education, the government will be spending close to 30% of its 2024 budget on education. Which is well above the 15-25% recommended by international development agencies.

He described education as the magic key that will ensure that every citizen is given a fair chance at life.

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